Soon, Gu Yi narrated the thrilling story—or so it seemed in her eyes—of Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue's stay in Province T.
She included General Tang'smplaint about losing hair and turning white too quickly due to the hidden storm.
Naturally, in public, everything appeared normal, and the undercurrent was difficult to notice, even for those highly sensitive to politics and deeply interested in it.
The highest echelons were extremely alarmed by this sudden destabilizing factor, while the other upper levels feared their futures were doomed.
Those who had climbed the ladder for so long understood that most, if not all, had weaknesses thatuld jeopardize their entire careers.
What Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue amplished simply broke the unspoken rules. Regardless, Ling Qingyu wouldn't stop or abandon hernfidantes, even if it meant crossing a dangerous threshold.
Not to mention, she trusted that the girls would nevermmit wrongdoings or stir up unnecessary trouble unless the situation truly called for it—or they were pissed.
Ling Qingyu had long believed in them and expressed her stance even before Gu Yi began her narration. The latter also showed support and understanding.
After all, she had interacted deeply with these young women and mostly understood their mindset.
It was good to be young—no need to weigh benefits and risks too much, just follow one's passion. Gu Yi wasnvinced that if she were in Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue's place, no matter how righteous she was, she wouldn't have sought out the slightest trouble or burden.
In fact, she also knew that this was precisely why villains grewmplacent and acted more blatantly, exploiting the good-hearted nature of others.
The events began after Tang Ziyi successfully negotiated deals with General Tang, supported by Xiao Yue's strategic expertise.
Theoperation between the two parties was cause for celebration. Spirit Fox operators would serve as CQB instructors while simultaneously learning advanced military knowledge in army organization and logistics.
Since Ling Qingyu aimed to establish a mercenary group—though her resolve wavered after experiencing the battlefield—Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue sought tomplement their weaknesses.
On the other hand, General Tang wanted to tap into Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue's mercenary expertise.
Through personal meetings, she realized the two's strengths—Tang Ziyi as a tactical master and Xiao Yue from a strategic perspective.
The younger woman had the skills of a general capable ofmmanding a vast army. The only things she lacked were age and experience.
If not for their deeperoperation, General Tang would have extended a special invitation to recruit Xiao Yue into her team.
Well, both Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue, actually.
The two didn't mind General Tang's subtle moves and simply laughed them off.
There was no need to burn bridges over a mere recruitment attempt. If Ling Qingyu were present, she would have erupted in anger.
Trying to snatch away her two greatest talents was no different from slapping her in the face.
In reality, Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue were more curious about who was inviting whom.
So, instead of reacting, they simply warmed up to General Tang.
After reaching an agreement, the two parties decided to have a sumptuous meal tommemorate their partnership.
Through their discussions, Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue came to understand General Tang's ambitions.
Apart from forming her own special forces unit in the southern theater and surpassing her peers, she aspired to reach an international stage.
Unlike the old world, this one offered far more freedom and leverage, given the power mercenaries held.
Ofurse, mercenaries also hadrresponding responsibilities and rules, even as their rights expanded.
These overarching factorsuld easily be studied through various online channels. However, deeper knowledge surfaced subtly throughnversations with General Tang.
Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue exchanged a knowing glance—they had been careful not to talk too much or reveal anything unnecessary.
Sure enough, as long as the desire to learn remained strong, knowledge would alwaysme.
In any case, to experience Province T's local specialties and better understand its culture and heritage, Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue requested to travel around.
It was rare to have time to relax after parting from Ling Qingyu, and they enjoyed the change of scenery. General Tang happily agreed and assigned a liaison officer to assist them.
And so, the story began. Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue visited various places—both the good and the bad—driving around in their Cadillac.
The vehicle had been transported here via an A380, its ample cargo space in the rearmpartment easily ammodating several vehicles.
They also retained their gun licenses and had the backing of General Tang's aides. With their skills, they had no fear of traveling freely.
Besides, they had to admit that Province T's security level was far better than the chaos of Province N.
The duo explored clubs, bars, and night markets—gray areas where accurate news and hidden rumors were easier to uver—leaving their liaison officer helpless as shenstantly fretted over their safety.
As General Tang's esteemed guests, even the smallest incidentuld land her in trouble if not handled properly.
She remained cautious at all times, despite having subordinates to assist her.
One night, Tang Ziyi noticed a mature woman, seemingly in her mid-twenties or thirties, drinking in despair by the roadside.
Her eyes were devoid of hope, clouded with sadness.
She was stunningly beautiful, appearing younger than her estimated age. However, Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue had assigned her a slightly higher age due to the temperament she exuded.
Fate worked in mysterious ways.
Normally, Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue wouldn't have paid much attention, nor would they have intervened.
But something about this woman drew them in, as if meeting her would lead to unexpected surprises.
They parked nearby, and Tang Ziyi approached her for anversation. After all, they had nothing better to do—why not hear her story?
Xiao Yue, standing by, ffed.
"Don't blame fate—it's obviously her looks that ensnared this lustful woman," she muttered.
Her snarky remark made Tang Ziyi grin cheekily and swear she was telling the truth.
A lightheartedmedic exchange unfolded between them.
Despite her words, Xiao Yue still followed along.
The elegant yet inebriated woman before them seemed like antradiction—her scholarly aura clashed with the air of despair and unwillingness surrounding her.
Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue sat beside her, acting warm and friendly.
Surprisingly, the woman showed no dimfort or resistance.
That was when the duo realized—this woman wasmpletely broken and lost. Under their skillfulmfort—and fueled by intoxication—the woman blurted out all her despair.
Her name was Dong Xi, aged 30, and she was married to a 48-year-old man with the surname Ning.
As expected, her story was as cliché as ever. Her beauty had caught the attention of powerful figures, bringing calamity upon her husband's work and achievements.
Hismpany was being suppressed to the brink of bankruptcy, with the threat of prison looming over him if things were not handled properly.
All she had to do was bow her noble head, and everything would be settled, returning to how it once was.
But she simplyuldn't accept such a life.
Listening to this so-called fairy tale, Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue scrutinized Dong Xi anduldn't help butmplain inwardly.
This woman paled in both appearance and temperamentmpared to them. If Ling Qingyu were here, she would havempletely overshadowed her.
Yet, her beauty had brought disaster upon her?
That vile bastard had actually mobilized vast resources just for this woman?
Hmm... Arding to the rumors, the Ning Group was indeed on the verge ofllapse. Could it be that thempany belonged to Lady Dong Xi's husband?
Possibly, that old bastard and his fellowrrupt demons had some twisted obsession with stealing other men's wives—pursuing them relentlessly as if it were a game.
Or perhaps they were simplynfident that things would never spiral out of theirntrol because they had a firm grasp on Dong Xi's mentality.
There had to be more to the story, but the duo restrained their curiosity.
If Dong Xi wished to reveal everything, she would do so in due time.
There was no need to rush.
Ofurse, neither they nor Dong Xi were naïve enough to believe that selling her body would truly bring peace.
Greed knew no bounds, and Dong Xi would only be haunted by villainous demons until her beauty faded.
Somehow, the duo found themselves wondering how the real Ling Qingyu had managed to survive in this world.
Perhaps it was a mix of luck and background.
Luck, in the sense that she had avoided crossing paths withrrupt powerhouses.
Background, in the sense that she had enough weight to deter small-time villains.
Maybe it was because Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue exuded a rare warmth, but Dong Xi opened up further, revealing even more secrets.
As the deeper layers of the plot unfolded, Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue were left shocked, while Dong Xi merely laughed bitterly and shook her head.
She understood her own helplessness and was prepared for the judgmental gazes that mightme her way.
Even so,nfessing had undoubtedly soothed her fragile emotions, allowing her to clear her mind andnsideruntermeasures.
Yet, instead of the rn she had braced herself for, she was met withmpassion and understanding.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she leaned into Tang Ziyi's embrace.
Tang Ziyi merely shrugged at Xiao Yue's gaze before making her decision.
Since fate had led them to meet, lending a helping hand in a few matters wasn't difficult.
Besides, through Dong Xi's background, Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue realized something—this womanuld bme an ally for Ling Qingyu in the future.
